Blog

ALLEPPEY: ENJOY WATCHING LAKE BIRD FROM HOUSEBOAT 

Kerala is a land of stunning natural beauty, where nature’s splendour is on full display. From majestic mountains and lush valleys to serene rivers, dense forests, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage, Kerala has it all. However, the most enchanting feature of this region is its backwaters. While backwaters can be found throughout Kerala, Alleppey is the most renowned for them. The unique form of backwaters in Alleppey is unparalleled, offering an experience you won’t find anywhere else in Kerala or India.

Alleppey, now also called Alappuzha , is home to two main lakes: Punnamada and Vembanad. These lakes and their surrounding areas form the quintessential backwater landscape. The rivers descending from the Western Ghats flow into these lakes and stagnate before merging with the sea. Due to the flat terrain, the water spreads out extensively, creating what is known as the backwaters. This region features a dense network of lakes, canals, land, and islands, offering a unique and picturesque environment.

Punnamada is a serene, small lake with the charming city of Alleppey nestled on its banks. In stark contrast, Vembanad is a sprawling lake that stretches from Kochi to Kottayam and Alleppey, covering a vast area. The two lakes are intricately linked through a network of canals, allowing for seamless boat transportation between them. This region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring flat terrain, majestic coconut trees towering along the canal banks, lush paddy fields, and a vibrant blue sky. These elements come together to create an idyllic setting that captivates tourists and leaves them with lasting memories.

VARIOUS TYPES OF HOUSEBOATS

The main attraction of Alleppey is its houseboats, which come in various sizes, ranging from one room to ten rooms. You can even stay in a houseboat, all of which are air-conditioned, ensuring you remain comfortable despite Kerala’s humidity and heat. Each houseboat is equipped with a kitchen, allowing you to cook your preferred meals. These houseboats float gracefully on the lake, providing a unique experience as you relax on their deck and enjoy the serene waters. Watching the sunset from a houseboat is particularly magical, offering a supernatural beauty. After sunset, houseboats stop moving and anchor in place. This is because local fishermen catch fish at night, and the administration has banned houseboat movement during these hours to facilitate their work.

KUMARAKOM

Just across Vembanad Lake towards Kottayam is Kumarakom, a serene haven compared to the bustling Alleppey. Kumarakom offers a peaceful retreat with options to stay either on a houseboat or in a lakeside resort. For those seeking a more intimate experience, smaller boats can navigate areas that larger houseboats cannot access, allowing you to explore hidden corners of the lake and enjoy its tranquil beauty.

HOW TO REACH?

Alleppey is well connected to the rest of the country by road and rail. Most of the trains going to Trivandrum pass through Alleppey. The nearest airport is Kochi, 60 km from Alleppey.

WHERE TO STAY?

Alleppey has hotels and homestays for every budget. But most people prefer to stay in houseboats. You can book the houseboat online as well as by visiting here. If you want, you can also stay in Kochi and visit Alleppey for the day and return to Shapta.

WHEN TO GO?

Alleppey can be visited anytime. It is slightly better to go in December and January. One can visit here even in monsoon.

FOR MORE FOLLOW

THE KNOWLEDGE LOOM